Speakers Bureau

Show Me Missouri: Conversations about Missouri's Past, Present and FuturePresented by the Missouri Humanities Council and the State Historical Society of Missouri

Show Me Missouri: Conversations about Missouri’s Past, Present, and Future is a speakers' bureau program jointly organized and managed by the Missouri Humanities Council and the State Historical Society of Missouri. The purpose of the Speakers’ Bureau is to promote public education for rural, urban, and suburban audiences throughout the state of Missouri. If your civic organization, museum, historical society, library, or similar institution or group is looking for an expert to give a presentation on a topic related to the history, culture, geography and/or people of Missouri, we hope you will consider what this program has to offer.

Call for Speakers

The Speakers’ Bureau is currently seeking a new slate of speakers. Applications are due by September 1, 2018, and successful applicants will be notified in December. To learn more see the application.

For more information, or if you have questions about speakers or programs, contact Missouri Humanities Council at 816.802.6566.

Can we request a program on a topic that is not on the list of prepared presentations?

Yes, you may request a special presentation to be created for your group, but there will be an additional charge for this type of “custom” program (subject to availability of a scholar or expert willing to do the program).

Who can request a speaker from the Show Me MissouriSpeakers' Bureau?

Both non-profit and for-profit organizations can apply, but for-profit groups will have to pay a higher fee.

What will it cost to host a speaker from the Speakers' Bureau program?

Basic program

Non-profit organizations with an annual budget of less than $50K: $75 per presentation

Non-profit organizations with an annual budget over $50K: $100 per presentation

For-profit organizations: $325 per presentation

Custom program

Non-profit organizations: $250 per custom program

For-profit organizations: $500 per custom program

Additional travel fee

The Show Me Missouri Speakers' Bureau will cover travel expenses up to $150. Travel is reimbursed at a rate of $.56/mile. Speakers’ travel expenses in excess of $150 must be paid by the host group and will be included in the group’s fee.

When does the fee have to be paid for the program?

Program fees must be paid in advance. Your reservation for a program will not be confirmed until a check for the full amount (including additional travel fee, if appropriate) has been received.

Is there is a lead time for scheduling a program?

Reservations for a program must be made at least 60 days prior to the date of the presentation.

Is there a limit on how many Show Me Missouri Speakers' Bureau programs our group may host per year?

Yes. Any organization will be able to host only two speakers per year.

Are there other guidelines and/or limitations regarding this program?

Host organizations are asked to invite their legislators to the presentations.

The minimum suggested audience for a small host organization is 15 people.

The minimum suggested audience for a larger host organization is 25 people.

A minimum of 45 minutes should be set aside for the presentation.

An additional minimum of 15 minutes should be set aside for questions and discussion.

Host organizations will not directly contact speakers. All arrangements will be made through the MHC.